Michael Douglas: Studios Have Become ‘Constipated and Conservative’

Michael Douglas won rave reviews — and an Emmy Award — for his portrayal of Liberace in HBO’s “Behind the Candelabra.” And, just in time for award season, he’s received one more: GQ magazine has named him Diva of the Year for their December issue.

Despite “Candelabra” pushing him one step closer to an EGOT title, Douglas had some choice words about the movie didn’t make it to the big screen.

“I’m actually taking sort of joy, a revengeful joy, in the fact that all the studios turned it down,” he told the magazine. “To me it was just a reflection of how constipated and conservative the studios have become.”

The timing worked out well for Douglas. If he wants to be recognized for his work — either by fans or by critics — this was a good year to appear in a TV flick: There are at least 30 great Oscar contenders this season, making it one of the most competitive years ever for feature films.